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Bwk94510
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Quote: Originally posted by steve5555  | If you haven't already, you might want to check out "adventure rider" forum. Plenty of trip reports with pics and advice. You might see some
pictures of places or routes that strikes your fancy. I think a key decision point is how much dirt do you plan to do on the way down? Remember the
heat. I did the length of Baja in ~late April on a KTm 990. WE had planned to do a bunch of dirt side excursions but just found it to be too hot.
Not much shade in Baha. If we pulled over to rest we started to sweat to death. Anyway, in the end the heat dictated that we largely slabbed and
hauled butt straight to Cabo. It was an unusually hot April. For me, being able to go Hwy5 has been a game changer. I hate all of that traffic,
congestion, and traffic lights over on the pacific side.
Steve |
Thanks Steve - good point on the heat. Since I’ll be solo I was planning to limit my dirt to side trips to the beach down dirt roads. I’m thinking
I’ll shoot for late Feb - March/April because y house won’t be done until December and then the holidays. I’m pretty set on taking 5 - but now
added wine country detour based on some suggestions here. I’ve also been reading Adventure Rider forum - very helpful.
I’m test riding the KTM 390 and 890 tomorrow - leaning to the 390 but want to try to 890 also. I like the price and maneuverability of the smaller
bike. But also know a 1,500 mile ride on a small cc bike will have its own challenges.
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steve5555
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Location: Jamul, CA
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For me and if I wanted a "kick around" bike down in Baja to ride into town or explore near my house I would think of smaller than full sized bike -
so that it is ridiculously easy riding. For me and a full sized bike I feel like putting on all the gear- helmets, knee pads, boot, elbow pads, etc.
However, on something like one of those new Honda 125 trails I would feel confident enough to hop on hop off without much preparation. Or a CRF 230F.
This is a personal decision I know.
If you were going to leave the bike down there for long periods it would be nice to have fuel injection. It is more resilient to gas that has been
sitting in the tank...
[Edited on 7-27-2021 by steve5555]
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JZ
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| Quote: Originally posted by Bwk94510 | | Quote: Originally posted by steve5555 | If you haven't already, you might want to check out "adventure rider" forum. Plenty of trip reports with pics and advice. You might see some
pictures of places or routes that strikes your fancy. I think a key decision point is how much dirt do you plan to do on the way down? Remember the
heat. I did the length of Baja in ~late April on a KTm 990. WE had planned to do a bunch of dirt side excursions but just found it to be too hot.
Not much shade in Baha. If we pulled over to rest we started to sweat to death. Anyway, in the end the heat dictated that we largely slabbed and
hauled butt straight to Cabo. It was an unusually hot April. For me, being able to go Hwy5 has been a game changer. I hate all of that traffic,
congestion, and traffic lights over on the pacific side.
Steve |
Thanks Steve - good point on the heat. Since I’ll be solo I was planning to limit my dirt to side trips to the beach down dirt roads. I’m thinking
I’ll shoot for late Feb - March/April because y house won’t be done until December and then the holidays. I’m pretty set on taking 5 - but now
added wine country detour based on some suggestions here. I’ve also been reading Adventure Rider forum - very helpful.
I’m test riding the KTM 390 and 890 tomorrow - leaning to the 390 but want to try to 890 also. I like the price and maneuverability of the smaller
bike. But also know a 1,500 mile ride on a small cc bike will have its own challenges. |
We have ridden offroad a ton in Early April. Weather is perfect for it.
I can give you a dozen tracks for riding from the hwy to the ocean. Some through really fun canyons. I'll post a couple tomorrow.
Watch this to see some of them:
https://youtu.be/4VNTIhRa6q0
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Bwk94510
Junior Nomad
Posts: 32
Registered: 7-24-2021
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| Quote: Originally posted by JZ | | Quote: Originally posted by Bwk94510 | | Quote: Originally posted by steve5555 | If you haven't already, you might want to check out "adventure rider" forum. Plenty of trip reports with pics and advice. You might see some
pictures of places or routes that strikes your fancy. I think a key decision point is how much dirt do you plan to do on the way down? Remember the
heat. I did the length of Baja in ~late April on a KTm 990. WE had planned to do a bunch of dirt side excursions but just found it to be too hot.
Not much shade in Baha. If we pulled over to rest we started to sweat to death. Anyway, in the end the heat dictated that we largely slabbed and
hauled butt straight to Cabo. It was an unusually hot April. For me, being able to go Hwy5 has been a game changer. I hate all of that traffic,
congestion, and traffic lights over on the pacific side.
Steve |
Thanks Steve - good point on the heat. Since I’ll be solo I was planning to limit my dirt to side trips to the beach down dirt roads. I’m thinking
I’ll shoot for late Feb - March/April because y house won’t be done until December and then the holidays. I’m pretty set on taking 5 - but now
added wine country detour based on some suggestions here. I’ve also been reading Adventure Rider forum - very helpful.
I’m test riding the KTM 390 and 890 tomorrow - leaning to the 390 but want to try to 890 also. I like the price and maneuverability of the smaller
bike. But also know a 1,500 mile ride on a small cc bike will have its own challenges. |
We have ridden offroad a ton in Early April. Weather is perfect for it.
I can give you a dozen tracks for riding from the hwy to the ocean. Some through really fun canyons. I'll post a couple tomorrow.
Watch this to see some of them:
https://youtu.be/4VNTIhRa6q0
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Great- thank you!
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Bwk94510
Junior Nomad
Posts: 32
Registered: 7-24-2021
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| Quote: Originally posted by steve5555 | If you haven't already, you might want to check out "adventure rider" forum. Plenty of trip reports with pics and advice. You might see some
pictures of places or routes that strikes your fancy. I think a key decision point is how much dirt do you plan to do on the way down? Remember the
heat. I did the length of Baja in ~late April on a KTm 990. WE had planned to do a bunch of dirt side excursions but just found it to be too hot.
Not much shade in Baha. If we pulled over to rest we started to sweat to death. Anyway, in the end the heat dictated that we largely slabbed and
hauled butt straight to Cabo. It was an unusually hot April. For me, being able to go Hwy5 has been a game changer. I hate all of that traffic,
congestion, and traffic lights over on the pacific side.
Steve |
Thanks Steve - good point on the heat. Since I’ll be solo I was planning to limit my dirt to side trips to the beach down dirt roads. I’m thinking
I’ll shoot for late Feb - March/April because y house won’t be done until December and then the holidays. I’m pretty set on taking 5 - but now
added wine country detour based on some suggestions here. I’ve also been reading Adventure Rider forum - very helpful.
I’m test riding the KTM 390 and 890 tomorrow - leaning to the 390 but want to try to 890 also. I like the price and maneuverability of the smaller
bike. But also know a 1,500 mile ride on a small cc bike will have its own challenges.
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Tacobul
Newbie
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Registered: 2-8-2021
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This !!
| Quote: Originally posted by motoged | "Adventure" bike is unfortunately a marketing term. Adventure riding is an attitude which can be operationalized on ANY moto.
Ride wut you brung  |
Well said.
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motoged
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6481
Registered: 7-31-2006
Location: Kamloops, BC
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Mood: Gettin' Better
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| Quote: Originally posted by steve5555 | For me and if I wanted a "kick around" bike down in Baja to ride into town or explore near my house I would think of smaller than full sized bike -
so that it is ridiculously easy riding. For me and a full sized bike I feel like putting on all the gear- helmets, knee pads, boot, elbow pads, etc.
However, on something like one of those new Honda 125 trails I would feel confident enough to hop on hop off without much preparation. Or a CRF 230F.
This is a personal decision I know.
If you were going to leave the bike down there for long periods it would be nice to have fuel injection. It is more resilient to gas that has been
sitting in the tank...
[Edited on 7-27-2021 by steve5555] |
Fuel injection is NOT a good choice over carbed bike....fuel pump/filter issues are known problems in this regard. Stale gas is stale gas....dirt in
fuel is easier to remedy than a fuel pump out back.
390 vs 800 cc's: two separate worlds.....ATGATT is a question to consider..... crashing or getting hit by vehicle hurts the same on both
displacements (HD riders ruin their tatts sliding down the road in their wife-beaters in shreds)
Is OP buying a bike for one ride down or many rides in area?
Riding skill becomes the issue: experienced riders know which tool to pick for the job.
Don't believe everything you think....
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JZ
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9225
Registered: 10-3-2003
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If you plan to do much off roading with it beyond this trip I'd definitely go with the smaller bike.
Baja Sur has an endless number of trails for you to explore.
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Bwk94510
Junior Nomad
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| Quote: Originally posted by JZ | If you plan to do much off roading with it beyond this trip I'd definitely go with the smaller bike.
Baja Sur has an endless number of trails for you to explore.
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Thanks everyone- I’m leaning toward the smaller option for all the same reasons mentioned here. I like the idea of something easier to ride off
road. Plus lower prices - about half - make it an easier option to leave in Mexico.
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JZ
Elite Nomad
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Hwy 1 to San Basillo
San Basillo is a top 10 most beautiful bay on the Sea of Cortez. It is located about 27 miles by water North of Loreto.
Difficultly is 1.5. A few rocks and a tiny bit of sand.
The turn off from Hwy 1 is roughly 28 miles from Loreto. You have to go through a check point. After the turn off it is 11 miles down a jeep trail
to the bay. The spot with the pin named "canyon" is really, really cool.
They have roped off the beach the last several years, so you can't drive out on it. You can still walk it, and I think camp. Some of the best white
sand you will see in Baja. The water is very shallow in parts. The bay itself is massive with a lot of interesting rock formations. If you go by
truck bring a kayak or paddle board.
We have raced back from the beach to the hwy at night on bikes more than a few times.
Easy day trip from Loreto.
[Edited on 7-28-2021 by JZ]
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Bwk94510
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This is perfect - very helpful and exactly what I’m looking for. Thank you!
Is the beach a good spot for camping? Or is this more of a day-adventure trip?
Thanks again - I really appreciate your help.
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JZ
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9225
Registered: 10-3-2003
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| Quote: Originally posted by Bwk94510 | This is perfect - very helpful and exactly what I’m looking for. Thank you!
Is the beach a good spot for camping? Or is this more of a day-adventure trip?
Thanks again - I really appreciate your help. |
Ugh, I meant to copy my Agua Verde post and instead I edited it while doing the San Basillo one. Will re-post.
Yes, you can camp on the beach at AV for sure. Very safe and wide open.
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Bwk94510
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Just found it on Google maps and marked the restaurant where the turn off of 1 is - El Parguito and then the two restaurants at the end of the road on
the beach. Looks ideal for my trip - thanks again. Definitely will be one of my camp out nights - with the luxury of eating at a restaurant instead of
cooking! That’s my plan - stay at hotels or camp near food and drinks!
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JZ
Elite Nomad
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Ciudad Consiticion to San Evarsito
This is a sweet canyon ride down to the ocean. A little longer and more involved than other rides, but still relatively easy. San Evarsito is a good
sized fishing village in a big, well protected bay.
Difficultly is 2. A few rocks, a little sand.
The most direct turn off from Hwy 1 towards the bay is at the South end of Constitucion. There are several back roads that lead to the main trail.
After the turn off it about 75 miles down a truck trail to the bay. The beginning 20-30 miles have some pavement and is flat and fast.
A beautiful canyon drive, where you will go past a mission (San Luis Gonzaga), many ranches, and an impressive church (La Soledad). San Evarsito
itself isn't spectacular, the ride is however.
At San Evaristo you will find a restaurant, primitive place to stay, and camping on the beach. You can also pay a panga about $100 for the day to
take you out to Isla San Fransisco and Isla San Jose. This is HIGHLY recommenced. Beautiful beaches and bays.
From there you can go back towards Hwy 1 the same way you came, or branch off and head more South (better if you are heading South). But the best
ride is to do the 2-3hr dirt trail along the coast into La Paz. This is a very easy and special ride. Top 5 coastal rides in Baja. Top 2 or 3 on
the Sea of Cortez. More to come on that.
[Edited on 7-28-2021 by JZ]
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Bwk94510
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Thank you. How did you find all of these rides- word of mouth or is there a website that lists them? Do you use a gps when you ride these?
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JZ
Elite Nomad
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San Juan de Los Planes to Los Barriles
This is the number 1 coastal ride in Baja in my opinion. Once you hit the coast, all the way down to Los Barriles is just gorgeous. Really stunning,
with lots of pretty colored sand beaches. The ride is fairly short. After you get to the dirt it is only 28 miles to Los Barriles. That said, it is
a little bit of a harder ride.
Difficultly is 2.5 on a bike, 2.5-3 in the truck (especially a full sized truck). However, only 6-7 miles of it is difficult, the canyon to the
ocean and then a couple miles down the coast where you go from the coast inland a few times. This beginning section has lots of rocks, some some-what
steep grades, and a narrow trail overall. After that, the longer stretch along the coast is very easy.
San Juan de Los Planes is 42 miles from La Paz. That's where the dirt starts. It is flat and smooth for about 2-3 miles and then gets into the
canyon. A challenging little 3.5mile section to the ocean. I've only had 3 flat tires on my truck ever in Baja, and 2 of them have happened on this
trail. One rock blew out the side-wall.
The last 20 miles into Los Barriles are easy-peasy, with lots of great places to stop and get out on the beach and water. On a lot of it you are
riding on a trail that is elevated above the ocean. Very, very scenic.
If you want to cheat and see the best spots without doing the challenging parts, just start at LB and go North for 20 or so miles. Then return.
Windy road through the pass.
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JZ
Elite Nomad
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| Quote: Originally posted by Bwk94510 | | Thank you. How did you find all of these rides- word of mouth or is there a website that lists them? Do you use a gps when you ride these?
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Got them all from here. Lots of help from Nomads on the tracks. Especially TMW, DK, AdvRider, 4x4abc, Douglas, PaulW and many others. There is like
20 years of history on this board.
Most of the time I got the general idea of a trail (i.e. studying DK's maps or TMW's Google Earth screen shots) and sometimes I got tracks. Then I
plotted tracks using Google Earth, zooming in and following the trail. These are all big wide trails I'm talking about, it's pretty easy to trace
them. Spent 100's of hours doing it as a hobby.
From 2015 to 2019 we did about 20 one to two week trips, my two teenage boys and 3-4 Mexican friends. We did about 80% of our riding in Baja Sur and
20% around the Seven Sisters. Almost all truck trails. We always had a support truck for the rides, carrying beer, ice, food, and gas.
I have KMZ's (GPS format used by Google) for most of Baja Sur. Use Back Country Navigator as my GPS app on the bike and in the truck. I've
downloaded high-res satellite imagery for all of Baja to our phones and tablets. It's like 100G of data, but gives you Google Earth like resolution
without needing an internet connection.
I can send you specific tracks for trails if you want them. Just PM me.
[Edited on 7-28-2021 by JZ]
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Bwk94510
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Thank you JZ. Really appreciate your help
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JDCanuck
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| Quote: Originally posted by JZ | If you plan to do much off roading with it beyond this trip I'd definitely go with the smaller bike.
Baja Sur has an endless number of trails for you to explore.
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I agree with this idea. If you are used mainly to riding a street bike like myself and transitioning to off road, I'd keep the weight down to the
point you feel confident hitting the gas when you get in trouble. The three tours we had where someone got in trouble and hit the ditch were all
caused by the riders' being intimidated by the weight of their bikes. Just my inexperienced opinion of course. And by the way...USAmerican hospitals
and ambulance services are outstanding! Mexican...not so sure.
[Edited on 7-28-2021 by JDCanuck]
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JZ
Elite Nomad
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Coco's Corner (orginal location) to Hwy1 via Calamajue Canyon
Calamajue Canyon
This one is in Baja California Norte (BCN). If you come down Hwy 5 it is a fun side trip. Before Coco's Corner moved after Hwy 5 was completed, the
original Coco's sat at the fork of the Hwy 5 dirt road to Hwy 1 and the entry point to Calamajue Canyon.
Difficultly is 1.5-2. My youngest rode it at age 12. Harder for a truck. I've never taken my full sized truck down it and not sure I could. Easy
in a Jeep.
From old Coco's it is about 27 miles to Hwy 1.
This is the area that Hwy 5 and Hwy 1 meet up. For some reason Hwy 5 isn't showing up on Google Earth as a road in yellow. But Hwy 5 hits Hwy 1 at
Chapala. The canyon run comes out about 11 or 17 miles South of Chapala depending on which fork you take at the end.
Added DK's map to give more prospective.
[Edited on 7-28-2021 by JZ]
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